Aspirus Wausau Hospital was named one of the nation’s 50 Top Cardiovascular Hospitals by IBM Watson Health.

IBM Watson Health recently released the 50 Top Cardiovascular Hospitals 2018 study. The annual study identifies the top U.S. hospitals for inpatient cardiovascular services. The study uses a balanced national scorecard of hospital performance metrics to identify the highest performing cardiovascular service lines in the nation.

“Aspirus Wausau Hospital is very proud to be once again recognized as one of the top cardiovascular hospitals in the nation,” said Aspirus Wausau Hospital President Darrell Lentz. “We have an amazing network of hospitals and physicians. This recognition is a reflection of the dedication from across our entire system to improve the health of the communities we serve.”

IBM Watson Health found that winners of the award this year delivered better outcomes while operating more efficiently and at a lower cost.

“Cardiovascular disease is among the most widespread and costliest diseases in the U.S. with an annual price tag of roughly $317 billion. That’s why it is so critical that hospitals find new and innovative ways to deliver better care at a lower cost,” said Ekta Punwani, 100 Top Hospitals® program leader at IBM Watson Health. “The winning hospitals in our study have established the new benchmark for cardiac care performance by driving consistently better outcomes at a lower cost per case than non-winning hospitals.”

This is the 12th time Aspirus Wausau Hospital made the list and was the only in north central Wisconsin to be recognized this year.

Aspirus Heart & Vascular is a Blue Cross Blue Shield Blue Distinction Center for heart care and consistently ranked by national quality benchmarking organizations as a leader in clinical quality and patient safety.